West Ham United striker Andy Carroll faces a lengthy injury layoff after leaving the stadium on crutches post last night's match against Southampton.
The England striker, who was playing for the first time since suffering from an injury on 31st January, was injured when he was kicked in the back of his knee late in the second half.
However, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce had no choice but to leave the 26-year-old on the pitch, having already made all his substitutions and playing with 10 men since the 61st minute after Adrian was sent off.
Carroll continued until the end of the match after which aggravated his injury and now the player faces several weeks out with injury.
"He got kicked in the back of the knee and felt something wrong", Allardyce was quoted as saying by the BBC.
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The veteran manager also conceded that Carroll was a nuisance while he stayed on the pitch and now he hopes that staying on hasn't done any more damage to player.
"He stayed up and was a nuisance.
"I just hope that staying on hasn't done any more damage."
The former Liverpool man has managed 16 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring five goals and has also provided his team-mates with three equally important assists.
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